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Contact with the Skin. Ammonia can irritate the skin and cause chemical burns ranging from mild to
severe depending on the concentration of the ammonia solution. Concentrated vapor or solution may
cause the victim to experience pain, redness of the skin, and blisters. Signs displayed by skin exposed to
liquefied ammonia can include frostbite, tissue death, or severe burns with deep ulcerations.
Contact with the Eyes. Ammonia, even at low concentrations, can irritate the eyes and cause burning,
swelling, photophobia, sloughing of the surface cells of the eye, and may cause blindness.
Ingestion. Immediate burning in the mouth and throat occur when ammonium hydroxide is swallowed.
Ingestion of concentrated solution can cause severe pain in the mouth, chest, and abdomen, swallowing
difficulty, drooling, and vomiting. Burns and perforation of the esophagus or stomach can occur.
A c u t e H e a l t h E f f e c t s o f A m m o n i a E x p o s u r e
As the concentration of ammonia increases, the symptoms become more severe. Acute exposures to
ammonia can cause immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and/ or respiratory system and could even
result in death. Itchy eyes, coughing and a burning nose can help to warn people of potentially hazardous
exposure levels. But continued short- term exposure can lead to tolerance to the ammonia scent, and victims
may no longer be aware of ammonia’s presence. The very young, the very old, and people with health
problems are at an increased risk from the health effects of ammonia exposure.
C h r o n i c H e a l t h E f f e c t s o f R e p e a t e d E x p o s u r e t o A m m o n i a
Acute ( short- term) exposures to ammonia do not often result in long- term or chronic health effects, except for
eye injuries. Long- term effects are usually found with people who have repeated exposures to ammonia.
These repeated ammonia exposures could have long- term effects on the lungs, nose, and eyes. Case reports
have noted chronic inflammation of bronchi and airway hyperactivity and chronic irritation of the eye
membranes. Consequences of chronic exposure may also include pneumonia, kidney damage, cataracts,
glaucoma, ulceration and perforation of the cornea, and blindness.
P r o p e r H a n d l i n g a n d S t o r a g e P r o c e d u r e s f o r A m m o n i a
Before working with ammonia, you should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how to use
proper personal protective equipment.
Ammonia should be stored in a cool, dry, well- ventilated area in tightly sealed containers protected from
exposure to weather, extreme temperature changes, and physical damage. Ammonia should be separated
from oxidizers, combustible materials, heat, sparks, and open flame. As a liquefied gas, ammonia is
flammable. Sources of ignition usually include smoking or open flames. Ammonia is considered a strong
oxidizer and steps should be taken to separate ammonia and ammonia products from incompatible materials,
such as copper, brass, bronze, galvanized steel, tin, or zinc.
If a fire occurs in the immediate vicinity of ammonia cylinders, remove them promptly if it can be done safely.
If removal is not possible, cool cylinders by spraying with water. Do not extinguish flames as explosive re-ignition
may occur. Allow the fire to burn out. If the fire cannot be brought under control, evacuate the area
because of explosion hazards and toxic fumes.
P e r s o n a l P r o t e c t i v e E q u i p m e n t
Clothing
Avoid skin contact with ammonia. Wear protective gloves and chemical- resistant clothing. The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH) recommends wearing gloves made of Butyl,
Teflon or Viton for up to 8 hours of exposure and Nitrile gloves for up to 4 hours of exposure. Keep
clothing clean and free of oils and grease.

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Contact with the Skin. Ammonia can irritate the skin and cause chemical burns ranging from mild to
severe depending on the concentration of the ammonia solution. Concentrated vapor or solution may
cause the victim to experience pain, redness of the skin, and blisters. Signs displayed by skin exposed to
liquefied ammonia can include frostbite, tissue death, or severe burns with deep ulcerations.
Contact with the Eyes. Ammonia, even at low concentrations, can irritate the eyes and cause burning,
swelling, photophobia, sloughing of the surface cells of the eye, and may cause blindness.
Ingestion. Immediate burning in the mouth and throat occur when ammonium hydroxide is swallowed.
Ingestion of concentrated solution can cause severe pain in the mouth, chest, and abdomen, swallowing
difficulty, drooling, and vomiting. Burns and perforation of the esophagus or stomach can occur.
A c u t e H e a l t h E f f e c t s o f A m m o n i a E x p o s u r e
As the concentration of ammonia increases, the symptoms become more severe. Acute exposures to
ammonia can cause immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and/ or respiratory system and could even
result in death. Itchy eyes, coughing and a burning nose can help to warn people of potentially hazardous
exposure levels. But continued short- term exposure can lead to tolerance to the ammonia scent, and victims
may no longer be aware of ammonia’s presence. The very young, the very old, and people with health
problems are at an increased risk from the health effects of ammonia exposure.
C h r o n i c H e a l t h E f f e c t s o f R e p e a t e d E x p o s u r e t o A m m o n i a
Acute ( short- term) exposures to ammonia do not often result in long- term or chronic health effects, except for
eye injuries. Long- term effects are usually found with people who have repeated exposures to ammonia.
These repeated ammonia exposures could have long- term effects on the lungs, nose, and eyes. Case reports
have noted chronic inflammation of bronchi and airway hyperactivity and chronic irritation of the eye
membranes. Consequences of chronic exposure may also include pneumonia, kidney damage, cataracts,
glaucoma, ulceration and perforation of the cornea, and blindness.
P r o p e r H a n d l i n g a n d S t o r a g e P r o c e d u r e s f o r A m m o n i a
Before working with ammonia, you should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how to use
proper personal protective equipment.
Ammonia should be stored in a cool, dry, well- ventilated area in tightly sealed containers protected from
exposure to weather, extreme temperature changes, and physical damage. Ammonia should be separated
from oxidizers, combustible materials, heat, sparks, and open flame. As a liquefied gas, ammonia is
flammable. Sources of ignition usually include smoking or open flames. Ammonia is considered a strong
oxidizer and steps should be taken to separate ammonia and ammonia products from incompatible materials,
such as copper, brass, bronze, galvanized steel, tin, or zinc.
If a fire occurs in the immediate vicinity of ammonia cylinders, remove them promptly if it can be done safely.
If removal is not possible, cool cylinders by spraying with water. Do not extinguish flames as explosive re-ignition
may occur. Allow the fire to burn out. If the fire cannot be brought under control, evacuate the area
because of explosion hazards and toxic fumes.
P e r s o n a l P r o t e c t i v e E q u i p m e n t
Clothing
Avoid skin contact with ammonia. Wear protective gloves and chemical- resistant clothing. The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH) recommends wearing gloves made of Butyl,
Teflon or Viton for up to 8 hours of exposure and Nitrile gloves for up to 4 hours of exposure. Keep
clothing clean and free of oils and grease.